The preliminary vote to approve a debt exclusion to fund a new $44.5 million middle school on West Street was 1,343 to 722.

School Superintendent Maryellen Brunelle said, “On behalf of the students of Auburn, I thank the voters for their approval of this state-of-the-art facility, in which our students will be able to thrive for years to come.”

Mark W. Imse, chairman of the School Building Committee, said, “Now, we can get started!”

Mr. Simonian, who won his second three-year term over challenger Thomas M. Dombroski by a vote of 1,045 to 943, said, “Three years ago, no one knew me. This time, I had a record, and they still picked me. It’s a little bit nicer.” He said that three years ago, his top priority was funding road repairs, which are now well under way. “This time, people mentioned their tax bills most. They have to live within their budgets; it’s time the town did the same.”

Mr. Page, who won by a vote of 1,051 to 909, thanked the voters and said, “My top priority has always been to do what’s best for the residents. As a member of the housing authority, our residents will still be my top priority.”